Bridges4Kids News Digest

National News	*top*
The Other Movement That Rosa Parks Inspired Charles Wilson, The Washington Post, October 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Post10-30-05.html#top On an unseasonably warm September day in 1984, about a dozen men and women rolled their wheelchairs in front of a city bus that was pulling onto State Street in Chicago. Then they sat there and didn't move. The group had no secret agenda; they simply wanted to make a point. America’s Promise Alliance Launches “Katrina’s Kids” Website http://www.katrinaskidsusa.org/ America's Promise – The Alliance for Youth has launched a new Web site to help the youngest victims of Hurricane Katrina recover from the devastating storm. “Katrina’s Kids” will use the collective abilities of the Alliance’s nonprofit, corporate, public sector and faith-based partners to deliver long-term support to these children whose lives have been turned upside down. “Katrina’s Kids” will work to see that the hurricane’s youngest victims, estimated to number 500,000, receive at a minimum the Five Promises– five fundamental resources proven to be essential to a child’s success: caring adults who are actively involved in their lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds marketable skills; and opportunities to help others. NV Some New Help for the Extremely Gifted Michael Janofsky, New York Times, October 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/NYTimes10-26-05.html#top Misha Raffiee is 10 years old. An eighth grader in her final year of private school here, she reads up to six books a month, plays violin and piano and asks so many questions that her teachers sometimes get angry at her. Helping Pupils, Other Teachers Sara Neufeld, Baltimore Sun, October 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Sun10-13-05.html#top Aileen Mercado, a 34-year-old special-education teacher who left her husband and three young children in the Philippines to teach in Baltimore, is just what city school system officials were looking for when they turned abroad to fill vacancies in some of their toughest schools. She has also been thrust into something of a second job, as the elected coordinator of 58 Filipino teachers who arrived in Baltimore in June and a group of 48 just arriving. She spends hours there listening to other teachers' troubles adjusting to American classroom life. Many have been stunned by the lack of student discipline, and some have contemplated going home. So far, none has. "The No. 1 problem is culture shock," she tells the teachers at the end of the first week of school. "We're not used to being disrespected." Bully Off http://www.bully-off.co.uk/ A new anti-bullying website started in the UK.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
No Child Left Behind in Indian Country (PDF) National Indian Education Association (NIEA) http://www.niea.org/sa/uploads/policyissues/29.23.NIEANCLBreport_final2.pdf Through the past year National Indian Education Association (NIEA) has held eleven hearings on NCLB and Indian education to gather information on the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 on American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. Many witness identified unintended consequences upon culturally based education including the use of culturally appropriate pedagogy and curriculum connected to the social, cultural, and linguistic heritage of Native children, the role of Tribal governments and the unique role of Native communities and parents. Witnesses noted that NCLB has affected important traditional subjects playing a central role in Native life such as music, literature, and the arts. Witnesses also expressed concern that teachers were not expected by the statute to be able to teach linguistically and culturally unique students as a skill as an aspect of being highly qualified. E-tutoring Now More Viable Arizona Central, October 13, 2005 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1013edonlinetutoringintro.html Before the Internet revolution, parents drove their children to tutoring centers. Now, students are a computer click away from help. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Effective Parenting & Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem Dr. Thomas Phelan, ParentMagic.com, October 28, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Phelan10-28-05.html#top In a sense, affection is the “I like you” part of parenting. Affection is a self-esteem builder for kids because it represents a direct confirmation of the young person and it contributes to the social-competence part of the self-esteem equation. Praise is the “I like—or I am proud of—what you are doing” part of parenting. Rethinking Parent Conferences Susan Black, American School Board Journal, October 2005 http://www.asbj.com/current/research.html In most districts, parent participation in conferences drops off significantly in middle school and high school. Why do some parents, particularly those with children in the upper grades, avoid parent-teacher conferences? Shelley Billig of RMC Research Corp. gives three reasons: (1) Middle schools often put less effort than elementary schools into forging strong school-family partnerships; (2) Communication at the middle level tends to be one-way, mainly from principals and teachers to parents and often dealing with students’ poor academic progress and discipline problems; and (3) Middle school students often discourage their parents from attending parent-teacher conferences and from being visibly involved in school activities. Parents' Involvement Not Key to Student Progress, Study Finds Jean Merl, Los Angeles Times, October 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/LATimes10-26-05.html#top A new study examining why similar California schools vary widely in student achievement produced some surprising results: Involved parents and well-behaved youngsters do not appear to have a major effect on how well elementary students perform on standardized tests. Bridges4Kids Featured Website: Give Kids Good Schools http://www.givekidsgoodschools.org/parents.html Parents often want to do more to ensure that their child is getting the best education possible, but this can seem like an overwhelming task. This excellent list of resources and ideas is a good place to start. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Long Hours Help Academically, But Impair Social Development Helen Gao, San Diego Union-Tribune, November 1, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/11-05/Gao11-1-05.htm Two new studies have concluded that extended time in preschool or day care can thwart a child's social development, a finding already fueling a debate surrounding a nationwide movement to expand early education programs. One study found that the social harm persists through third grade, regardless of how well caregivers work with preschoolers. Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Leaves Early Childhood Education, October 27, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/ECE10-27-05.htm Whether they’re piled up to your knees or lightly sprinkled on lawns and fields, leaves are a subject of fascination for young children. Use them in a science or math lesson; have fun with them in a classroom art project. We’ve gathered a “pile” of activities for you to try. MI Education Officials Ask For Kindergarten Review Gongwer News Service, October 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-20-05.html#top The Legislature should review whether school districts should be required to provide full-day kindergarten and what should be the appropriate age for mandatory school attendance, Michigan Department of Education officials told a House subcommittee Tuesday. MI Michigan Child Care Task Force Meeting Minutes for October 5, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/MCCTF10-5-05.htm MI Request for Proposals for Great Start Collaboratives http://www.greatstartforkids.org The Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation has released the Request for Proposals for Great Start Collaboratives--Year One, Fiscal Year 2005-2006 and the Great Start System Performance Measures for Great Start Collaborative Community Assessment and Planning. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Teacher Loan Aid Bills Move MIRS, November 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-1-05.html#top The House Education and Career Preparation Committee reported out HB 4129 and HB 5210, which are designed to help teachers serving in at-risk schools repay their student loans. Teacher Merit Pay Coming To Michigan? MIRS, November 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-1-05.html#2 With Colorado voters approving it by a wide 58 to 42 margin, new teachers will get their pay based on performance. The question is, will the issue now migrate to Michigan? Committee Moves Passenger Limitation Bill MIRS, November 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-1-05.html#3 Michigan teenage drivers must be wondering what they did to deserve this. Last month the Michigan House voted to take cell phones out of their hand, and today a House committee approved a bill, HB 4756, to remove passengers from their cars. Food Stamp Helpline (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/FSHelpline10-05.pdf You may qualify for more Food Assistance if you are having a hard time paying your rent, utility, child-care or child-support bills. Don’t assume you are not eligible! The Food and Nutrition Helpline is operated by the Center for Civil Justice. We can’t give you Food Assistance benefits, but we can estimate how much help you may receive each month based on your household situation. You must apply through the Michigan Department of Human Services. Governor Granholm Makes Appointments Gongwer News Service, October 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/Appointments.html On October 27, 2005 Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced the following recent appointments to the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns... Schools Preparing for High School Requirements Gongwer News Service, October 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Gongwer10-26-05.html#top In about two weeks, the Department of Education will present to the State Board of Education recommendations on the courses high school students should take and the skills they should learn before graduating. And the schools around the state are ready to implement those recommendations. School Health Plan Bills Coming to House Gongwer News Service, October 19, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-20-05.html#2 The House will begin in the coming weeks exploring its own proposal for fixing the rising cost of health coverage for school employees and retirees, said Rep. Brian Palmer (R-Romeo), chair of the House Education Committee. Michigan Education Officials Lay Out Curriculum Plans Gongwer News Service, October 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/News10-20-05.html#3 A Department of Education presentation to the Senate Education committee on Thursday outlined some changes that might be on the horizon for the state's schools. Officials also highlighted that their goal isn't to take local control of education away from schools. Mini-grants are now available to support LDA’s Healthy Children Project! Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/healthychild.htm to learn more about this project or visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/minigrantapplica.pdf (PDF) to download an application. Applications are currently being accepted.
Disability News	*top*
Nominate an Outstanding Student with a Disability for a Yes I Can Award http://yesican.cec.sped.org/awards/index.html CEC and its Yes I Can Foundation recognize children and youth with disabilities for their accomplishments in Academics, Arts, Athletics, Community Service, Employment, Extracurricular Activities, Independent Living Skills, Self-Advocacy and Technology. Deadline for nominations is December 1, 2005. CA Parents Sue Schools, Seek Help For Diabetic Students Eric Louie, Contra Costa Times, October 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/ContraCostaTimes10-12-05.html#top Three Danville parents, another from Fremont and the American Diabetes Association filed a lawsuit Tuesday to require California public schools to assist in insulin injections and provide other help for diabetic students. Landmark College Gets Grant to Help Disabled Associated Press, October 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/AP10-21-05.html#top Landmark College, which focuses on students with learning disabilities, has received a $1 million grant to develop a curriculum for those students that can be used at colleges around the country. The U.S. Department of Education grant will enable Landmark to join with five community colleges across the country, including the Community College of Vermont, to work on the three-year project. TX Athlete With Down Syndrome Scores 99-Yard Touchdown NBC5i.com, October 19, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/NBC10-19-05.html#top For two years, senior Lyndon LaPlante had only been getting a rep or two at football practice for the Keller Indians and had never seen action in a real game. The upbeat student with Down's syndrome seemed content to just be part of head coach Kevin Atkinson's football team. "I could see the passion in his eyes about how he really loved football and loved being around those guys," said Atkinson. But Atkinson had other plans for the dedicated athlete and wanted LaPlante to take the field in a game. Michigan Youth Leadership Forum The Michigan Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) will take place June 12-16, 2005 at Michigan State University. The Forum is coordinated by the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns. This is free to students and is a leadership development program open to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership potential in their communities and schools. Approximately 30 students will be selected. To be eligible the student must: have a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act), be a junior or senior in high school by Sept. of 2005, have demonstrated leadership potential in school and the community and reside in Michigan. If you would like an application packet, contact the ACMH office at acmhadmin@sbcglobal.net with your name and mailing address. Applications accepted through December 30, 2005. Scientists Identify Tourette's Gene Shan Ross, Scotsman.com News, October 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/Tourette.html#6 Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding Tourette's Syndrome (TS) by identifying a gene linked to the condition which is usually associated with inappropriate swearing in public. Until now the causes of the debilitating neurological disorder, which is estimated to affect one per cent of the population, have eluded researchers. MN West Metro TBI Family Support Group The West Metro TBI Family Support Group was started in May 2005. The support group is for kids/teens and their family. We meet on the 1st Thursday of each mouth for 7:00 to 8:30pm in Buffalo, MN. Contact Jay & Amanda Bowden at westmetrotbi@hotmail.com or call the support group at 763-355-0107. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
Special Education: The Myth of Least Restrictive Environment Steven W. Simpson, Ph.D., November 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Simpson11-1-05.html#top The idea of every student being served in the same classroom is very popular these days. It is the “least restrictive environment” special education theory that results in students with “accommodations” being tossed into the same boiling environment as kids who don’t need them. I like the idea and hate the reality. An Important OSEP Survey: Takes About 10 Minutes The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is preparing a long-range plan for national activities to support individuals with disabilities and their families. The Study Group Inc. and the American Institutes for Research are assisting OSEP with its planning. We are seeking your input to inform the development of future OSEP efforts. In order to reach and engage stakeholders in a variety of roles and settings, OSEP is collaborating with the IDEA Partnership for a targeted distribution of the IDEA partners and communities of practice. In this way, we hope to use established networks to enhance the distribution and stimulate an active response from policymakers, administrations, and families and youth. Please review the following information about the comprehensive planning process and then go to http://www.edoceon.com/anonymouslogin.asp?itrId=72 to provide your input. It should take about 10 minutes. Please respond by November 4, 2005. For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program Sponsored by Family Network on Disabilities WHEN: November 5, 2005 WHERE: Woodland Baptist Church, 9607 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34202 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw training programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Mary Smith at (941) 928-0682 or visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11.fl.htm. The International Dyslexia Association's 56^th Annual Conference "Reading In The Rockies" WHEN: November 9-12, 2005 WHERE: Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado DESCRIPTION: Attend the premier event in the field of learning disabilities! Listen to hundreds of noted experts in the LD field, covering topics such as diagnosis, teaching approaches, math, spelling, comprehension, ADHD, social issues, early intervention and more. Visit our exhibit hall and learn about teaching resources, assistive technologies, schools with programs for students with learning disabilities, and other related items. Share information with co-workers, colleagues, professionals and others. All session and exhibits will in at the Adams Mark Hotel. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call IDA at 1-800-ABC-D123, e-mail us at info@interdys.org or visit our website at www.interdys.org. For room reservations, call the hotel at 303.893.3333 or 1.800.444.2326 and identify yourself as attending The International Dyslexia Association conference so that the appropriate room rate will be applied. Look for additional information about the conference in the Spring 2005 issue of Perspectives. New York Summer Options For Children & Teens With Special Needs WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.). DESCRIPTION: Representatives from 70 New York City day camps and sleepaway camps in the northeast will be on hand to help parents and professionals plan productive summer experiences for children with disabilities. The Fair will also feature information on travel programs, remedial education programs, volunteer and job opportunities and early childhood programs. Spanish and sign language interpreters will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Fair is presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., (212) 677-4650.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Free Screening of "Juvies" WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Beaumont Hospital Administration Building Auditorium, 36oo W. l3 Mile Road, Royal Oak DESCRIPTION: The Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders, the Mental Health Association in Michigan, and AMI of Oakland County invite all to attend a FREE screening of “Juvies,” a Leslie Neale documentary that provides a riveting look at the lives of juveniles serving lengthy prison sentences. Mark Wahlberg and Mos Def narrate. A brief discussion will follow the film and light refreshments will be served. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP at info@michkids.org. 2005 Parenting Classes With Debra Madonna WHERE: St. Mary-Mercy Hospital, Marian Women Center, 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Registration is required. Contact Mary Jane Peck at 734.655.1100 for more information or to register. Parents & Teenagers- “Talking .Thinking . Together -- about School Work, Chores & Money” WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. COST: Cost is $20 per family Refresher Class – “Time Out for Parents” - “Time to Think . Time to Rest . Time to Plan” WHEN: Saturday, November 5, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. COST: Cost is $10 per family DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite St. Mary-Mercy Hospital Parenting Class “Preparing for Tomorrow” 5th Annual Free Conference For College Bound 11th and 12th Grade Students With LD & ADD/ADHD & Their Parents WHEN: November 9, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Washtenaw Community College, Morris J. Lawrence Building DESCRIPTION: Students learn how to: Get a job and keep it, Start their own business, Choose a college, Find financial aid, Advocate for their needs, Manage time with less stress, Stay out of debt, Access the latest technology, Tour WCC and much more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more info call, Ann Arbor Academy at 734-747-6641. Jack's Place for Autism 2^nd Annual Family Fun Day WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 2005 from noon - 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Oakland University's Recreation Center, Rochester, MI DESCRIPTION: You can visit our fun and games room filled with great games and prizes, sensory station, art center, information fair, and don't forget to bring your suits to swim at the recreation center pool! You'll also have a chance to sign up for new programs at Jack's Place for Autism at Oakland University. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call 248-370-2424 or email jacksplc@oakland.edu. Wrightslaw Advocacy Training Sponsored by Macomb Chapter of Autism Society WHEN: November 12, 2005 WHERE: Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw training programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details on this Wrightslaw training session, visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11mi.htm. To register, contact Annette Duda (586) 447-2235 or adudamccasa@yahoo.com. Town Hall Meeting “Ask the Advocates” Featuring Calvin and Tricia Luker WHEN: November 21, 2005 from 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. WHERE: Macomb Intermediate School District Educational Training Center, Room 103B, 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township, Michigan 48308 ~ Enter south side doors of building. DESCRIPTION: Calvin and Tricia will explain the special education complaint process and give hints on how to write a strong complaint. They also will answer your questions about what you can do when your child's IEP is not being followed. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP at everyonetogethermacomb@yahoo.com.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org